Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has taken a significant step towards addressing climate-related challenges by approving a ban on the use of plastic bags throughout the province.
The ban was decided upon in a meeting presided over by Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, and it will go into effect on June 5.
Aurangzeb emphasized that the international Earth Day, observed on April 22, will mark the commencement of the “Say No to Plastic” campaign in Punjab.
Under the approved measures, complete restrictions will be imposed on the production, transportation, and utilisation of plastic bags, Aurangzeb disclosed, highlighting the chief minister’s endorsement of the initiative.
The senior provincial minister urged the public to refrain from using plastic bags to mitigate the risk of cancer, advocating for the adoption of cloth and paper bags instead. She called upon all shopkeepers to rally behind the government’s campaign against plastic bag usage.
In the meeting, it was agreed that relevant authorities would ensure stringent enforcement of the plastic bag ban. Additionally, special lectures and training workshops will be organized in educational institutions to enhance awareness about the health hazards associated with plastic.
